Sex things...and the climax

I've been thinking about it lately, quite a lot actually, and have found a nice degree of pleasure in it, a release of pent up energy and emotion and...well, I guess one could say a climax of sorts.

Ok, not a climax in the sexual sense, a climax of thought is more what I'm referring to, and all because a few conversations with some (younger than me) people who raised some questions they wanted answers to, or at least, my answers to, which I think is really cool. Just in case you're wondering, what I think is cool is that those people were interested enough in their own lives and personal progression to ask someone who's been around a lot longer than they have for a few gems of wisdom.

So I gave them six things to take away and think about. Six things, not sex things as my title suggests - that was an unintentional typo. Ok fuck it, I meant it.

Anyway, I thought I'd share the six things I shared with that little group below. It was a lengthy discussion and went far deeper than what I've written below but you'll get the point I think.

• Don't complain when things are difficult: We all do it, myself included at times, but it's actually a total waste of time, thought and energy. It's better to evaluate, find new directions and the gumption to take them; there is always an alternative, a new opportunity and a different path towards what we want to achieve so find it and take it...and if you cannot? Well, shut the fuck up rather than complain.

• Show gratitude: I say this a lot, I know, but the power of gratitude cannot be understated. I'm talking about showing gratitude for waking up each day, the things we have such as relationships, health, safety and so on and to show gratitude openly towards others by saying thank you, smiling, small body-language gestures and actions. It's incredibly powerful powerful.

• Take more risks: I don't mean skydive from a plane without a parachute, I mean push limits, expand paradigms, set goals and stretch-goals, get out of your comfort zone...it's amazing what one can find just beyond reach and around the next corner if one is determined enough to try. Staying "safe and comfortable" is easy as is not trying something out of fear of failure as well...but fortune favours the brave so don't be a fucken pussy and get after it!

• Spend time with people older than yourself: People who have lived longer lives often means they've had more experiences and (possibly) gained some wisdom also. Time doesn't create wisdom in a person but finding those who have been around the block a few times and spending time with them (learning from them) is an amazing way to grow and develop personally. Naturally, one needs to find the right people and influences but if that happens there's so much to gain.

• Keep a journal or notebook: Writing thoughts and feelings down and the situations responsible for them is a great personal library to refer back to later. Seeing those things at arm's length in words helps to see them with perspective or more clearly, can set a small gap between the situations and thoughts, emotions and attitudes and can, on reflection later on, bring understanding, personal progression and a enhanced level of wisdom to carry forward which usually means a better onward journey.

• To struggle is good, quitting is not: Adversity and failure are amazing teachers and I believe people should work harder and to push through in these moments, not give in. Yes, I believe one should know when to pivot to new directions but simply giving in when things get difficult is wasteful, lazy and undisciplined especially when just a little determination and grit can help one move forward through difficulties and find desired results, greater understanding and a nicer life.

These are some things I've learned along my journey, not all; some I've done for a long time and others I've learned a little later but all have paid dividends, brought me better results and have helped me create a better life for myself and others. It's not always easy to follow such guidelines, we are all fallible and have failings, but for me doing these things most of the time have been powerful forces in my life and I know they work.

I figured I'd ask y'all if you have any similar items or gems of wisdom you've learned along your own pathways. Feel free to comment below and drop one or two things you wish you'd learned earlier in life or that have been beneficial.* Add an explanation of why if you would like and if you don't want to share anything you can comment on mine if you'd like to.